Toy



y 1936- J. F. WINNEMORE 2,049,097

TOY V y 1936. J. F. WINNEMORE 2,049,097

TOY

Filed June 29, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 10 is I 3 Patented July 28, 1936 TOY Jullien F. Winnemore, Washington, D. C. Application June 2.9, 1935 Serial No. 29,163

' 9 Claims. (01. 46-201) The present invention relates to toys.

More specifically, the invention relates to improvements in structural toys of the vehicle type and comprises a plurality of interchangeable parts for the construction of various types of toy cars.

A primary object of the present invention is the provision of a toy comprising a set of toy car constructing elements which are of simple form and which are adapted for the construction of various types of toy cars and which are further adapted for association with each other in such manner that any one type of car can readily be changed to another type of car by interchanging some or all of the elements.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a base member and a plurality of blocks of specific structural formation and of such proportions relative to the base member and to each other that various toy automobiles of the streamline type can be readily constructed upon judicious arrangements of the blocks upon the base member.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a toy car base member which isprovided with means for removably receiving rolling means and which is further provided with arcuate ends with coupling receiving means adjacent the ends for the reception of yieldable coupling means-for maintaining the arcuate ends in contact and per mitting rolling engagement therebetween.

A still further object of the invention isthe provision of a toy comprising toy car constructing elements which can be manufactured and sold at relatively low cost.

Reference will be had to the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein similar reference characters indicate similar parts. 1

In the drawings:

Figure l is a side elevational view of a toy car constructed from a plurality of elements later to be described and which indicates one of many possible arrangements of standard blocks forming the subject-matter of the present applica tion.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the construction illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational View of a sectional double-lengthened car showing a further ar rangement of the construction elements. of the invention. 1

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a member from which several blocks are constructed as will be later described.

Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate in side and. end view respectively the blocks formed from the member illustrated in Fig. 4.

' Fig. 7 is a perspective View of one of a plurality of primary blocks.

Figs. 8, 9, and 10 ondary blocks. I

Fig. 11 'is a bottom plan view of the base'member showing a ball retaining means associated therewith.

Fig. 12 is a sectional View as seen on line l2-I2 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating a further arrangement of blocks for providing a. different form of toy car. 7 N

Fig. 14 is a front elevation of the construction illustrated in Fig. 13.

1 Fig. 15 is a bottom plan View of the construction illustrated in Fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is a plan view of a preferred form of a draw member.

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of a train of cars disclosing a modified'form of draw member.

Fig. 18 is a side elevation of the construction illustrated in Fig. 17.

' Fig. 19 is a perspective view of one of the blocks showing a recess in each of the faces with a pin mounted in one of the holes.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of one of the pins.

Referring to the drawings by reference characters, l0 designates a base member which as indicated is preferably of generally rectangular form in plan with rounded ends and is of sufficient thickness to accommodate ball rollers later to be described. The base member ID in its preferred form is provided with a diagonally disposed slot H adjacent each end thereof and'which extends throughout the width of the base member ill for a purpose later to be described. The base member l0 is further provided with a plurality of circular recesses 12 in the bottom thereof for receiving corresponding balls l3 whereby the base member is supported for universal planular'movement thus well adapting it for use in toy cars. It is to be particularly noted that the recesses l2 are of greater depth than the radius of the balls l3 whereby the likelihood of the balls becoming dislodged from the recesses is substantially reduced. I i

The invention comprises aside from the base member I!) and balls l3 a plurality of construction blocks which are of such form that they are well adapted for interchangeable arrangement on the base member I 0 for providing various types of toy car bodies. The blocks are-illustrated in Figs. 5

are perspective views of secto 10 inclusive and comprise a set of primary blocks I4 which as indicated in Fig. '7 are preferably of cubical form and are adapted for the construction of the main portion of the toy car body as will be later pointed out. The blocks also comprise a plurality of secondary blocks I5, I6, and H, as is illustrated in Figs. 8, 9, and 10 respectively, and which are adapted for interchangeable association with the main blocks I4 in the construction of various forms of toy cars. The blocks further comprise a plurality of block members I8 which may be used to simulate fenders, turrets, etc., and which are preferably constructed from an egg-shaped member E, illustrated in Fig. 4, by dividing said member into four parts in planes in the major axis of the member and intersecting each otheratright angles, as will be clear from Figs. 5 and 6. The blocks I8, by being constructed in the manner disclosed, are each provided with a pair ofrightangularly. disposed seating faces I9 which are subtended by an arcuate surface 2|.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the invention comprises a relatively small number of construction elements, it being understood, however, that a plurality of each of the elements, particularly the blocks I4, are necessary for the construction of various forms of toy cars; the elements are not only relatively few in number but are of'simple construction and are of standard form and, as-will be later set forth, the relative dimensions of the base member and blocks are such as to present a well balanced appearance of toy car in any of the many forms which are capable of construction from the elements described. In Fig. 1 is illustrated a toy car which is constructed from twelve of the blocks I4, two each of the blocks I5 and I6, four of the blocks I1 and two of the blocks I8. The blocks I'I each have a rounded surface at one end thereof as indicated at 22 which well adapts these blocks for use in the front end of the car and the blocks I5 and I6 each have a beveled face as indicated at 23 and 24 respectively and which faces upon superposition of the blocks aline as indicated in Fig. 1, thereby well adaptingthese blocks for use in the rear end of the car; The car shown in Fig. I is given an added appearance by placing two of the blocks I8 on the top adjacent the front. end with two of their faces I9 in contact and the other faces I9 in contact with blocks I4 and IT. The car shown: in Fig. 1 is-one of many possible forms which may be constructed from the blocks and which may readily be alteredby shortening the body by using only eight blocks I4 instead of twelve and furthermore the body-may be constructed from a single rowofblocksin the manner indicated in Fig. 14; in which instance the blocks I8 would be placed on base member I0 and bythe provision of the double faces I9 any one block I8 can be placed at eitherside of the car for exposing the surface 2I. It isto be particu--- larly noted in Fig. 2 that the base member ID is slightly wider than the double row of blocks whereby the base membermay be readily grasped at opposite edges without danger of shifting the blocks.

. InFig. 3 is illustrated another of the possible arrangements of the elements for forming a long car and which comprises-a pair of. base members I0 which are detachably connected together by a member 25 engaged within the slots II atadjacent ends ofthe bases and which member may be of any suitable construction, such for example-as an elastic band which will maintain the ends of the base members in contact as well as permit them to roll on each other at their contacting rounded ends. Disposed on the base members II! are a plurality of blocks I4 which as indicated form the major length of the car, the body being interrupted adjacent the coupled ends to permit relative movement of the base members without displacing the blocks. The rear end of the car is formed as in Fig. 1 by the blocks I5 and I6, and the front end of the car is formed by a pair of blocks H. The front end, of course, could be constructed as in Fig. 1 by the use of four blocks II.

While I have disclosed a long car construction in Fig. 3 it may readily be converted into a train of cars by substituting blocks I5 and I6 for the eight rear blocks I4 on the front base member II] and by substituting two or four blocks I! for four or eight blocks I4 at the front end of the rear base member ID.

In Fig. 13.. is illustrated still another arrangement of the blocks for providing a further form of toy car, and which comprises two blocks I4 disposed centrally of the base IB, ablock I6 at the rear of the :base II), a block H at the front of the base' ID, a block I5 disposed on block I6 as in .Fig. 1 and a second block I! disposed on blocks I4. The car is completed by disposing four. of the blocks I8 on the base member I0 adjacentthe corners thereof for simulating fenders. It will be seen that this arrangement of blocks provides atoy automobile closely resembling a real automobile of the streamline type.

In .Figs. 1'7 and 18 is illustrated a still further arrangement of the elements for providing toy cars simulating a sedan being towed by a truck. As here indicated the sedan being towed is of the construction illustrated in Fig. 13 and the truck'is formed by a block I'I adjacent the front of its base member ID for. simulating a radiator, a block I4 is disposed rearwardlyof block H for simulating a-seat, and four of the blocks I8 are disposed as in Fig. 13 for simulating fenders.

It is to be noted that the combined width of a pair of. blocks I8 and one, of any of the other blocks is substantially equal to the width of the base member ID. It is further noted that the blocks I4, I5, I6, and H are all of the same height and width although they are of different lengths. It will be understood, however, that the width and height of the blocks may be varied so long as they are maintained equal. This provides for the constructionof bodies of uniform width and admits of the superposition of the various blocks in constructing bodies to provide alined top members. It will be further noted that blocks IT at the bases thereof are of a length equal to the length of two of the blocks I4 as indicated in Figs. 3, 13, and 18 for providing the top portion of the body of neat appearance.

WhileIi have illustrated several forms of toy cars'and trains readily constructed from the elements, nevertheless, it is to be understood that many types ofcars can be constructed, and that while I have illustrated only two of the base members I0 as being connected by the member 25' colors, with opposite faces of the same color in order that the opposite sides of the toy car body will be of the same color when a single row of blocks is used, as in Figs. 13 and 18. Thus, as indicated in Fig. 7, the block I 4 is provided with red and blue vertical faces and a top white face, the opposite faces being of corresponding color. By providing the blocks M with three different colors a wide selection of colors in the body is possible. The blocks I5, [6, l1, and I8 also may be of difi'erent colors for further varying the color effect of the different bodies capable of construction from the blocks disclosed.

In Fig. 1, for example, the lower rows of blocks are indicated as being blue while the upper rows may-be white or any other desired color.

In Fig. 3 the lower blocks on the front base member are indicated as being red while the lower blocks on the rear base member are indicated as being blue, the upper rows of blocks may, of course, be of any desired color or colors. Various color combinations are possible with blocks of different colors, as described.

While the arrangement of the balls l3 in the recesses i 2 will in most instances preclude the dislodging of the balls from the recesses, such dislodgmentmay happen particularly at the coupled ends of base members and accordingly my invention comprises a means for positively precluding the dislodging of the balls from their recesses while at the same time readily admitting the withdrawal from or the positioning of the balls within the recesses. The said means in a preferred form comprises a thin sheet metal member 26 illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12 and which is pivotally connected at 21 to the bottom of the base member ID, the member 26 being provided at each end thereof with a pair of apertures 28 of slightly less diameter than the balls l3 but of sufiicient diameter to permit free rolling of the balls. The member 26 is provided with a tongue 29 at each end thereof which as indicated in Fig. 12 is slightly spaced from the base member 18 to provide a finger hold for springing the member away from the base to clear the balls, the member 26 being swung on its pivot 21 after the ends thereof have been sprung sufiiciently to clear the balls. While I have disclosed but a single member 26 for holding all four balls I3 a similar member individual to each ball may be provided if desired.

Any suitable means may be provided for pulling the car or train of cars and which preferably comprises a member 30 which, as indicated in Fig. 16, is preferably, constructed of wire and which comprises a large loop having a straight portion 3| for engagement within one of the slots II in the manner illustrated in Figs. 1 and 13, the member 30 is further provided with a suitable handle 32. It will be seen that the slots H are so disposed as to interchangeably admit the connectors 25 for connecting base members in forming trains of cars or the draw member 30 for pulling a,

single car or a train of cars.

The draw member 30 while preferably of the form described may comprise arms 33 whose free ends are turned at right angles as indicated at 34 for removable engagement in apertures 35 at opposite sides of the base at one end thereof. When utilizing a draw member of this character the bases In would, of course, be constructed with a slot I I at one end thereof whereby the connecting member 25 may be utilized for coupling the base members as in Figs. 3 and 18.

From the foregoing disclosure it will be seen 3 that I have provided relatively simple elements of standard form which are capable of manufacture at relatively low cost and from which toy cars or trains of cars of many different forms may readily be constructed. Furthermore, by providing a base member and body construction blocks" for support on the base member without connection therewith, any of the blocks can readily be shifted or interchanged whereby any one body can readily be reconstructed toprovide a body of different form.

It will be further noted that the blocks as indicated in Figs. 5 to 10 inclusive, are each of a specific structural form whereby bodies of various toy automobiles of the stream-line type can be readily constructed therefrom, the stream-line effect resulting from the angular and curvilinear shapes of the blocks as is apparent from Fig. 13, wherein the inclined faces of blocks l5 and i 6, together with the curvilinear faces of blocks l5 and I! and the arcuate blocks 18, give the body the appearance of a real automobile of the streamline type, and this effect is more or less pronounced in the other possible body formations illustrated.

While in the preferred form of the invention, the blocks are not secured to the base or to one another, it may be found desirable in certain'instances to employ a plurality of pegs or dowels 31, as indicated in Fig. 20, for insertion into alined recesses 36 which may be formed in one or more of the faces of some or all of the blocks as well as the base, as is indicated in Fig. 19. By connecting the blocks to the base and to one another in this manner, a more stable construction will result.

While I have disclosed certain specific embodiments of my invention same are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive and that the definition of the limitations of the invention is defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. Toy car construction elements comprising a base member and a plurality of blocks for interchangeable arrangements on said base member for providing bodies of various forms, some of said blocks being of cubical form, others of said blocks being of elongated form and each having one end thereof inclined to its base, others of said blocks being of elongated form and each having one end thereof inclined to its base and merging into its top through a curvilinear portion, and others of said blocks being of elongated form and each having one end thereof of curvilinear form.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein all of said blocks are of equal height and equal width and wherein the bases of the third-mentioned blocks are of the same dimensions as the tops of the second-mentioned blocks, and wherein the last-mentioned blocks are each of a length equal to the combined length of two of the firstmentioned blocks.

3. Toy car construction elements comprising a base member and a plurality of blocks for various arrangements on said base member for providing car bodies of different forms, some of said blocks being of cubical form for forming the central portion of bodies, others of said blocks being elongated and having inclined ends for forming the rear ends of bodies, others of said blocks being elongated and having arcuate ends for forming the front ends of bodies, and still others of said blocks each having intersecting plane faces and an arcuate face for forming fenders for bodies.

4. The structure defined in claim 3 wherein said blocks other than those last-mentioned are each ofa width slightly less than one-half the width of said base member and together with a pairofsaidlast-mentioned, blocks equal to the width of the, base member. l

5. In a toy car, a base member, a plurality of circularrecesses in the bottom ofsaid base mem-L ber for receiving ball members adapted to movably support said base member, ball-retaining means comprising a member pivoted to said base member and having an aperture therein for receiving a portion of each of said ball members for permitting rotation of said ball members within said recesses while retaining same within the recesses.

6. Toy car construction elements comprising ;a base member and a plurality of blocks for inter changeable arrangements on said base member for providing various forms of toy automobiles of stream-line type; all of said blocks each hav-. ing the opposite side walls thereof parallel, the top and bottom walls thereof parallel and at right angles to the side Walls and one end wall perpendicular to the side, top and bottom walls, some of said blocks each having the opposite end wall thereof parallel to the first end wall; others of said blocks each having the opposite-end wall thereof inclined to thebottom-walland merging into the top Wall through a curvilinear wall portion; and others of said blocks each having the opposite end wall thereof of curvilinear form.

r 7-. Toy car construction elements comprising a base member anda plurality of blocks for interchangeable arrangements on the base member for providing toy car-bodiesof various forms, some of said blocks being of cubical form, others of Said blocks each having one end thereof inclined to its base, others of said blocks each having one end thereof inclined to' its-base and merging into its topthrough a curvilinear portion, others of said blocks each having one end thereof of curvilinear form, the bases'of the second and. last namedblocks' being equal and double that of one of the first named blocks, and the bases of the third named blocks being equal to the tops of the second named blocks.

8. In toy car construction elements, a pair of base members having cooperating arcuate ends, and yieldable means detachably engaged withthe base members for maintaining said ends'in con- 20 tact while permitting co-planular angular move:

ment of the base members. g

9. In toy car construction elements, a pair' of base membersrhaving cooperating arcuateends,

a slot in'each base member, extending transversely. 25

thereof, and a yieldable coupling removably disposed in said slotsfor maintaining. said arcuate ends in rollingengagement with each other.

JULLIEN F. WlNNEMORFl. 1 

